Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013)

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Synopsis

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is based on South African President Nelson Mandelaís autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the countryís once segregated society. Idris Elba (Prometheus) stars as Nelson Mandela, Naomie Harris (Skyfall) stars as Winnie Mandela, with Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) directing.

This is one of the better years, however, particularly considering at some points the category would have only two to three nominations overall. That wasnít the case in 2013, as the voters truly spread the wealth, resulting in five very diverse, unexpected selections.

The Oscar nominations are in, and for some of us, itís time to play catch-up and try to see some of those nominated films we havenít gotten around to seeing. Fortunately, when it comes to the picks for Best Original Song, a trip to the theater isnít required. Listen to all five nominees for Best Original Song right here.

Mandela soon became an international symbol for political justice and determination, and watching Elba say, ďMy lord, it is not I but the government that should plead guilty,Ē I find myself wanting to stand up on a soapbox and preach a peaceful message to this huge cast of extras.

The film will be directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) from a screenplay by William Nicholson. It will bite off a large chunk of Mandelaís life story, starting with his childhood in South Africa and tracing the manís steps all the way to his election as the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

Political activist and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela has been portrayed a handful of times in cinema over the past few decades, most notably by Sidney Poitier, Dennis Haysbert, and the ever-serene Morgan Freeman. Next to take that mantle is British actor Idris Elba, who will hopefully bring to the role the simmering strength of his Stringer Bell character from HBOís The Wire